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Builders have been ‘tackling a huge Jenga puzzle’ in Gloucester city centre to transform a ‘blot on Gloucester’s landscape’.

Work has been carried out on the multi-million pound project to transform a previously derelict site on Gloucester’s Black Dog Way, between the junctions with Northgate Street and Worcester Street.

The small and restricted site, which sits next to a busy main road, has caused a logistical headache for developers of the site, United Living.

Matthew Mercer, United Living Operations Manager, said: “Getting everything onto site, stored and then installed around all the necessary access plant, required a great deal of careful thought and planning.

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“Deliveries are tightly controlled – almost on a just-in-time basis - to minimise the storage area requirement and a flexible on-site storage system was also devised, including a temporary tunnel through the building, to allow distribution of materials, with work at low and high levels carefully choreographed around the storage areas and distribution routes.

“The frugal use of space ensured material time efficiency was maximised, giving subcontractors the ability to carry out their work with some confidence. It has been a very attritional way of working, with daily meetings to plan and co-ordinate deliveries, access and work, but everyone has co-operated and we are close to completion.”

The Black Dog Way development (Image: United Living)

United Living have transformed of the derelict and abandoned retail site for Rooftop Housing Group

The £14million development comprises 95 apartments, over five floors, for both shared ownership and affordable rent, including wheelchair users.

David Hannon, Development Director with Rooftop Housing Group, said: “Creating great sustainable homes is a passion of Rooftop and working with partners that believe in what we do is the icing on the cake. The Black Dog Way site had been derelict for many years and was a blot on the landscape of Gloucester City Centre.

Pictured on the roof of the new building are (L/R rear): Richard Baker and David Hannon, with (L/R front) Rooftop Chief Executive Officer, Boris Worrall and Fastflow / United Living CEO, Neil Armstrong. (Image: United Living)

“This iconic project not only delivers much needed affordable homes for sale and rent but supports our environment through the use of modern methods of construction and renewal energy generation.

“We are delighted to have chosen United Living and we proud of our work with Gloucester City Council and that this project has played a key part in the regeneration of the city.”